In a solemn atmosphere, To Lam rang the bell three times to invoke the spirits of the heroic martyrs, and then a minute’s silence was observed in their memory, the CPV website reported.

The general secretary and the delegation accompanying him also laid flowers at the monument and offered incense at each of the fallen, thus expressing their gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood for independence and national reunification.

Built in 1989, the Hill 82 Tan Bien Martyrs’ Cemetery houses the remains of more than 15,000 fallen soldiers from across the country who sacrificed their lives to defend the homeland, including Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died protecting the southwestern border.

Monday’s ceremony is part of the commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Day of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975), as part of which To Lam also visited the residences of previous revolutionary leaders on Sunday, laying incense offerings.

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